The body of an asylum seeker killed in unrest at the Australian detention centre on Manus Island will be examined in Port Moresby before being returned to his family in Iran.

Australian Immigration Minister, Scott Morrison says Australian officials in Tehran have contacted his family, who asked for 23-year-old Reza Berati's body to be returned.

He told reporters in Canberra the Australian government will fulfil that request, and will make the necessary arrangements in co-ordination with the government of Papua New Guinea.

Mr Berati was an Iranian national who arrived by boat on Christmas Island in July 2013.

Mr Morrison said Mr Berati's body was being flown to Port Moresby, where an autopsy would be carried out.

He said once PNG authorities conclude their investigation and release the body, Australia's high commission in Port Moresby will assist with the return of Mr Berati's remains and personal effects to Iran.

Mr Morrison said he was not aware of the status of Mr Berati's application for asylum.